Clemson University is advancing research on natural ways to raise chickens without using antibiotics, responding to growing consumer demand for antibiotic-free meat and helping farmers maintain flock health sustainably.
The poultry industry plays a major economic role, contributing $2.5 billion annually to South Carolina’s economy alone. One of the biggest challenges in poultry farming is managing necrotic enteritis (NE), a common gut disease that causes significant economic losses due to reduced production, increased mortality rates, and costly treatments. Traditionally, antibiotics have been the primary defense against NE, but concerns over antibiotic resistance and consumer preferences have pushed the industry to seek safer alternatives.
Researchers at Clemson, led by Vishal Manjunatha, have identified several natural products that show promise as alternatives to antibiotics. Their studies found that:
• Black cumin oil helps chickens survive NE and protects their intestinal health without negatively affecting their growth.
• A combination of black cumin and bacteriophages (viruses that specifically target harmful bacteria) effectively reduces chicken mortality from NE and improves gut health.
• Kefir, a fermented milk drink, strengthens the immune system and promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
Manjunatha’s research involved using black cumin in two forms: oil mixed into feed at small percentages and seeds comprising 5% of the total feed. By analyzing gut bacteria DNA, the team is able to better understand the causes of disease and develop improved prevention methods.
The significance of this research extends beyond scientific discovery. The U.S. poultry industry adds over $663 billion annually to the national economy, but diseases like NE can cost producers up to six cents per bird. As consumers become more aware of antibiotic use in meat production, their demand for “raised without antibiotics” poultry products is increasing steadily, with household spending on such products rising 7–11% annually over six years.
Clemson’s research, supported by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s ACRE program, not only offers natural solutions to fight NE but also aligns with consumer preferences and public health concerns. Kyle Player, ACRE’s director, emphasized that projects like this broaden consumer choices and demonstrate the practical impact of ACRE-supported agricultural research.
For poultry farmers aiming to raise antibiotic-free chickens, the research team recommends practical steps such as adding black cumin to feed for gut health, using kefir to boost immunity, employing bacteriophages to target harmful bacteria, and combining these approaches for enhanced results. These natural additives are affordable and accessible, making them suitable for both large commercial farms and small backyard flocks.
Professor Xiuping Jiang, who collaborated on the research, highlighted the importance of this work: “Finding natural ways to stop NE is very important. With good science and easy tools, we can now take real steps toward raising chickens without antibiotics.” This research marks a critical step forward in sustainable poultry farming that balances animal health, consumer demand, and environmental considerations.
Source: news.clemson.edu
